The process of designating private homes as heritage sites is deeply unfair. Arbitrarily, on the advice of people who have no accountability to the public, homes have tens of thousand of dollars instantly wiped off their value. The homeowner becomes an instant curator of a civic museum whether he likes it or not. It’s a process that should be stopped immediately and replaced with something fair. Everyone understands the desire to keep important parts of our bricks and mortar history. Public buildings and places where historic events have occurred are likely spots for such protection. In these cases, private citizens are well warned about the state of things. But frequently a homeowner wakes up to find that someone has discovered an esoteric structural feature that he thinks makes the home a heritage site. Nonsense. If these kinds of criteria are going to be applied to privates homes, let the City buy them at market value. It’s time to stop bush-whacking unsuspecting property owners in the name of history.
Little Italy gun victim had long police record
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The Globe and Mail is reporting that the man gunned down on the patio of a Little Italy café had a lengthy criminal record. He is identified as John Raposo, 35, and was known locally at Little Johnny. Globe and Mail.
5,000 ducks parade down street in China
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The old ways sometimes run smack into the new in China. This parade of 5,000 ducks was organized by a farmer who has no idea what kind of a traffic jam he would cause. He was herding the birds to a pond for a drink. Reports say the City if Taizou was temporarily brought to standstill.
Millwood, Sutherland break-ins are similar
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Police have not drawn the connection but its easy to suspect that the break-in on Millwood Road over the weekend might be related to the one on Sutherland. We posted on the latter yesterday. The Millwood incident occurred sometime over the weekend, between 2030 hours, June 15, 2012 and 1630 hours, June 17, 2012, and entry was gained into the premises by forcing a door. That ‘s the same technique used on Sutherland. In this case also jewellery was taken.
Bennington bungalow will be replaced
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This ravine side bungalow on Heath Street East just east of Lumley Ave is now just a memory. The vacant lot shown above will be the location of a much larger home in this desirable and secluded part of Bennington Heights.
Modella now open on South Bayview
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Modella Ladies Wear has opened at 1579 South Bayview in what must be one of the most efficient set ups in recent times. The owner, Tovi Mimran, took possession on May 30, 2012. This means he renovated and stocked the shop in merely 18 days. A posted earlier, Modella is a small chain which is best known to the west of Toronto in places like Dundas and Oakville. Lambert Moo’s Chair on Bayview, right next door, is also sporting a smart new sign.
Break-in on Sutherland Drive Saturday night
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Lessons can be drawn from local break-ins to help avoid similar criminal activity. Saturday night someone entered a home on Sutherland Drive between 2010 hours on June 16, 2012 and 2330 hours on June 16, 2012. That’s a period of about three hours in the evening, when there are normally people around. In this case the thief or thieves forced a door to get in. It’s a good reason to have your locks and metal plates protecting the jams checked. Police report that jewellery, a computer, iPod Touch and cash were taken.
ServiceOntario to be sold, moved online
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It’s coming out tonight that the Ontario government plans to privatize the agency known as ServiceOntario. ServiceOntartio is a relatively new concept in Ontario, replacing direct contact between taxpayers and the government agencies that issue licenses, permits and the like. Now, according to ministers, the province’s cash strapped state requires it to sell the ServiceOntario interface and have a private operator put it online. What this means for those dingy ServiceOntario shops, like the one at 854 Eglinton Ave. E. — well, who knows. Maybe they will disappear. The government estimates that it costs about five times as much for you to wait in line and deal with a clerk at the ServiceOntario shop than to fight your way through the online process. Globe and Mail.
Home of the Week at 9 Fleming Cr
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The Home of the Week is at 9 Fleming Crescent. National Post.
Free speech and Dr. Suzuki’s money
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The issue is whether political lobbyists should be able to operate as tax-exmpt “charities” in Canada The law restricts charities to a 10 per cent allocation of funds to further special causes — and it demands that zero monies go to promoting a political party. In the U.S., charities such as the Ford Foundation are tax exmept. These “charities” have contributed to the concern that elections are, in effect, purchased in the U.S. Many people are concerned about the impact of tax-exempt charities in politics. David Suzuki sees the issue differently. He argues in his regular spot in the Post magazines that the issue is free speech. The government of Canada is trying to silence those crusading for good and green causes. You should take a look at the article. There is only the most passing mention of money. It’s all about how Dr. Suzuki is being silenced. Well maybe. But the good gentleman should really address practical matters. Do we want a country where tax free charities crusade against unions? He may wish to ask himself why the Red Cross and United Way are so scrupulous about eschewing politics. And finally, let him face the obvious. Free speech is alive and well in Canada. He’s the best proof. New sidewalks after gas meters moved
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Residents are in for a day or two of disruption as the City replaces sidewalks after the digging that occurred to replace gas meters. Left, looking south down Astor Ave you can see the asphalt patches left by the gas company. Right, the view west along Sutherland Dr.
Bayview clogged as cops chase fugitive
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It happens every time the Don Valley Parkway is closed. When the closure is unexpected, it’s worse. Sunday morning on Bayview Avenue was a slow and difficult journey for locals and those passing through (above). The parkway northbound was closed after a rear end collision near Pottery Road. The driver of the car that did the rear-ending took off into the valley on foot and police continue to search for him. Five people are said to have been injured although there is some question as to how seriously. One was said to be in critical condition but later reports said that all occupants escaped relatively unscathed. The parkway has now re-opened.